A boat that washed ashore at Praia de Boca do Rio in Vila Nova do Bispo, Algarve, on Friday had seven minors on board, according to the National Republican Guard (GNR) on Saturday.
In a statement, the security force responsible for rescue operations via the Coastal Control and Border Unit (UCCF) and the Faro Territorial Command clarified that of the 38 migrants aboard the artisanal vessel, 25 were men, six were women, and seven were minors.
A member of the public raised the alarm at around 8:10 p.m. when the wooden boat approached the Portuguese coast near Praia da Boca do Rio in Budens.
The migrants “were found to be in a debilitated state and in need of medical care, showing signs of dehydration and hypothermia,” the GNR stated. Emergency services were immediately activated and provided assistance on-site. In coordination with INEM, their health condition was assessed, and ten individuals were subsequently transported to hospital facilities for medical observation.
The vessel will now undergo a judicial inspection by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Olhão Coastal Control Detachment and will later be towed to port by the Maritime Patrol Section of the Sines Coastal Control Detachment.
“At this moment, screening procedures and the execution of the National Border Contingency and Return Plan are ongoing,” it was further informed.
This operation also involved additional GNR units, namely the Beja Territorial Command and the Intervention Unit (UI). Participants included, as well as the GNR and INEM, members of the Civil Protection and Volunteer Firefighters of Vila do Bispo and Lagos.
The operational coordination for directing the migrants was also conducted with the Internal Security System (SSI) / Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit (UCFE), the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), and the Public Security Police (PSP).
The migrants are scheduled to appear before the competent authorities this Saturday, August 9.
